Among the world leaders in the production of zinc

Votorantim Metais’ history with zinc started in 1956 in Três Marias, MG, with the creation of Companhia Mineira de Metais (CMM). In 2002, the company took over Companhia Paraibuna de Metais, reinforcing its participation in the segment.

In 2004, VM acquired Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery in Peru, with a production capacity of 130 thousand tons of zinc per year. The plant is expanding and will start to produce up to 320 tons per year. In addition to the production increase, the unit will start to produce high added value Indium metal used in the manufacturing of liquid crystal screens. In 2005, VM negotiated and acquired a 24.9% share of Companhia Minera Milpo, the fourth mining company in the Country. Three years later, it expanded its participation which today exceeds 50%. In 2007, American company U.S. Zinc joins the portfolio. In the United States, the company is the leading zinc recycler, world leader in zinc oxide and second biggest in zinc dust.

Looking ahead and at the market needs, VM commences the search, conquest and deliver cycle of even higher service levels for its clients. It is now self-sufficient in the zinc concentrate, undertaking the self-generation of energy and guaranteeing compliance and supply, greatly reducing its clients’ risk of shortage.

VM’s zinc production quality and effectiveness are recognized in all five continents. The company is the leading producer of metal zinc in Latin America and one of the biggest zinc and by-product manufacturers worldwide. Thus, Votorantim Metais Zinco becomes the ideal company for a lasting alliance with global strength to drive your business, sharing values in favor of a unique, solid and true identification, which will result in the realization of a common dream of Creating Value for Everybody.

Zero waste

Among VM’s outstanding projects is the resumption of the construction of the first Polymetal factory in Brazil, in Juiz de Fora (MG), integrated to the already existing plant. In the new plant Indium, metal lead, silver with gold and polypropylene alloys will be produced. There will also be an expansion in the zinc production. The project was conceived to bring safe environmental solutions to the market for the recycling of materials such as steel powder and vehicle batteries. VM will use modern production techniques to adopt the zero waste concept in the Polymetal plant, which will manufacture about 75 thousand tons of metal lead per year – the equivalent to 50% of the domestic consumption in the country, 91 tons of silver with gold ally, 45 thousand tons of sulfuric acid and 6 thousand tons of polypropylene. Moreover, Votorantim Metais Morro Agudo mine Zero Waste Project, located in Paracatu (MG), was recognized in the subject matter as a sustainable practice example.

The program has gained first place in the Prêmio Mineiro de Boas Práticas em Gestão de Resíduos (Waste Management Good Practices Mining Award) organized by Fundação Estadual do Meio Ambiente (FEAM), in November 2010.

Highlights

• Production capacity: 730 thousand tons per year (2010).
• 5th biggest global zinc manufacturer with announced expansions, being the world leader in zinc oxide and second leader in the manufacture of zinc dust.
• 10 production units distributed in four countries: Brazil (4), China (1), United States (4) and Peru (1).
• 3,500 employees.

Sustainable production

• Morro Agudo: our mine acts without generating any waste.
• The entire Zinc unit production process takes into account the reuse of waste.
• The zinc application in iron guarantees greater durability and reduces investments in maintenance, reducing the consumption and expenditure of electric energy and water.
• In agriculture, zinc is essential to increase productivity and for the growth of cultures such as sugar canes and soya.

Zinco Salva Crianças (Zinc Saves Kids)

Votorantim Metais is the ambassador in Brazil for the Zinco Salva Crianças campaign, an International Zinc Association (IZA) initiative in support to Unicef for using zinc supplements to fight against malnutrition. The project is an international movement seeking to contribute to the improvement of the undernourished children survival, growth and development rates, by financing Unicef zinc supplementary programs carried out all over the world. The company promotes the campaign in Brazil, China, USA and Peru, where they also operate, in order to gather resources together with its suppliers, officers and the entire production chain in the sector. In addition to stimulating donations, VM also contributes. Per every 1 Real collected, the company will donate another 1 Real.

The importance of zinc

The metal is the 23rd most abundant element in the planet, it is 100% recyclable and is an essential mineral to life. It is present in the daily life of people in various ways: in the protection of iron against corrosion, in the zamac alloy (used in the forging of innumerable objects) and as a widely used ingredient in the production of ceramic frits, tires, dyes, fertilizers, batteries, food, drugs, cosmetics and chemicals in general. Zinc is also essential to human health.